Ideas on Which to Expand

These are titles from a cooking magazine.
Use them to create my own version:

    • Brie Wrapped in Puff Pastry
    • French Onion Soup – French Bread & Gruyere
    • Crostini with Cream Cheese, Chives and Garlic
    • Mini Grilled Cheese
    • Artichoke in Puff Pastry
      • with garlic, Parmesan, and Cream Cheese
    • Mini Beef Wellington
    • Chicken Swiss Cheese Croissant
    • Spanikopita with four cheese in Puff Pastry
    • Quiche
    • Tropezienne
    • Bourbon Bacon Lollipops
    • Artichoke with Goat Cheese
      • Breaded in Parmesan Panko mix
    • Spring Roll – Jicima, sweet potato, carrot, cabbage, cilantro, soy dipping sauce
    • Mini Meatloaves
    • Key Lime Bites
    • Pretzels & Beer Cheese
    • Spinach Artichoke Dip – garlic, onion, Parmesan
      • Serve with crostini
    • Creme Brule
    • Cheddar & Chive Rolls
    • Potato au Gratin – mini
    • Veggie Casserole – onion, garlic, cheese, bread
    • Garlic knots with cheese sauce
    • Mini Mac & Cheese
    • Pumpkin Pie
    • Three Bean Casserole
    • Stuffed Salmon – spinach & goat cheese
    • Tamales
    • Shepher’s Pie
    • Ekmek

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Ingredients

Yield:6 to 8 servings
[ amounts in bracket are for two baking ramekins ]

For the Filling  [indicate Ramekin Measurements]

      • 3 C rhubarb  [1.5 C] peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces,
        about one pound  [8 oz]
      • 2 C strawberry halves  [1 C]
      • 1/2 C sugar  [1/4 C]
      • 3 TBL Minute Tapioca or 1/4 C Tapioca flour  [1.5 TBL or 2 TBL]
      • TBL unsalted butter   [1 1/2 TBL]
      • 1/4 C cornstarch  [2 TBL]
      • 1 tsp vanilla   [1/2 tsp]
      • 1 tsp CinnaSugar [1/2 tp]
      • Dash of cardamom

For the Crust

    • 1 C pulverized crackers   [1/2 C]
    • 1 1/2 C AP flour  [3/4 C]
    • ½ teaspoon salt   [1/4 tsp]
    • ¾ teaspoon sugar, plus CinnaSugar for sprinkling   [1/2 tsp]
    • 2 sticks COLD unsalted butter  – ¼-inch cubes  [1 stick]
    • ½ cup ice-cold water  [1/4 C]
    •  1 TBL  milk    [2 tsp]

Step by Step

  1. Prepare the Crust
    1. Pulverize the crackers
    2. Combine all crust ingredients in large COLD glass mixing bowl.
    3. Using a fork or pastry cutter, work half of the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse meal.
    4. Quickly work the remaining butter into the dough until the biggest pieces are the size of peas.
    5. Drizzle in the ice water in several additions, tossing and mixing between each. (It should look rather ropy and rough.)
      • Stop adding water when a few bits of dry flour remain in the bottom of the bowl; do not overwork the dough or it will become tough.
    6. Gather two-thirds of the dough and wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Do the same with the remaining third.
      • [If you are using two Ramekins, cut the dough into three equal pieces.]
      • Flatten into disks.
      • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
      • When the dough is chilled, roll out the larger piece and line a nine-inch pie pan.
  2. Prepare Rhubarb
    • If rhubarb is thick, peel it.
    • Cut into 1/2 inch pieces
    • Combine rhubarb and strawberries in a bowl.
    • Mix sugar and tapioca together and fold gently into the strawberries and rhubarb.
    • Allow to macerate for 15 minutes.
  3. Turn on the Oven
    • Preheat oven to 425.
  4. Fill pie shells
    1. Spoon fruit into pastry shell and dot with butter.
    2. Roll out remaining pastry,
    3. Cut into strips 1/2 inch wide and weave a lattice to cover the pie.
    4. Seal, trim and crimp the edges.
    5. Brush the lattice with milk and sprinkle with a bit of CinnaSugar.
  5. Bake your Pie
    1. Bake in preheated oven for 20-22 minutes. [15 minutes if using ramekins]
    2. Lower heat to 350 degrees and bake 40 minutes longer [30 minutes if using ramekins] until pastry has browned and filling begins to bubble.
  6. Enjoy
    1. Let pie cool completely before serving, at least 3 hours and up to overnight to set the filling.

Chicken Layered Casserole

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

 
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is an easy, one dish dinner that’s a family favorite! Made with pantry staples- it’s filling, and delicious!
 
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, Stove Top Stuffing Casserole
 
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
 
Servings 6 servings
Calories 371kcal
Author Brandie @ The Country Cook

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 10.5 ounce can cream of celery soup
  • 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 6 ounce box Stove Top chicken stuffing mix
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (see notes below)
  • fresh or dried parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray an 11×7-inch baking dish with cooking spray, and set aside.
  • Cut 2 pounds chicken tenderloins into bite-sized pieces and place them into the baking dish.
  • Toss the chicken pieces with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together 10.5 ounce can cream of celery soup, 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup and 1/4 cup milk until smooth.
  • Pour the sauce over the chicken pieces and smooth it out, so all of the chicken is covered.
  • Evenly sprinkle the 6 ounce box Stove Top chicken stuffing mix on top.
  • Pour 1 1/2 cups chicken broth on top of the stuffing mix, and make sure that all of the stuffing is moistened by the broth.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Take the foil off and bake for an additional 5 minutes to lightly brown the top.
  • Garnish with fresh or dried parsley (optional) and serve. When serving, scoop up some of the gravy at the bottom and drizzle it over each serving.

A SIMILAR RECIPE

Chicken and Biscuits Casserole

 
 
This Chicken and Biscuits Casserole is so easy to make, uses simple ingredients and can be made quickly. A family favorite dinner recipe!
 
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword Chicken and Biscuits, Chicken and Biscuits Casserole, Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
 
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
 
Servings 6
Calories 397kcal
Author Brandie @ The Country Cook

Ingredients

  • 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon rotisserie seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 ounce can refrigerated biscuits (or two smaller 6 ounce cans)
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onion (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375F degrees. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, rotisserie seasoning and black pepper. Whisk until fully combined and most of the lumps are gone. 
  • Open the can of biscuits and separate each biscuit. Cut each biscuit into fourths. Add the biscuits to the bowl and stir to combine. 
  • Next, add peas and carrots, cheddar cheese and chicken. Stir to combine. 
  • Pour this mixture into prepared baking dish. 
  • Bake uncovered for about 35-45 minutes. Biscuits will puff up while cooking so they should be golden brown and you should see the liquid bubbling around the edges. 
  • If you are unsure if it is done in the middle, just add on a few extra minutes to the cooking time to make sure all the biscuits are fully cooked. If necessary, cover the top of the baking dish with aluminum foil so it doesn’t get any darker but will allow the biscuits to keep cooking. 
  • Allow to cool for a few minutes, top with sliced green onions, then serve!
 

Strawberry Crumble

HOW TO MAKE STRAWBERRY CRUMBLE 

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 11×7-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. Remove the stems from the strawberries. Prepare them by leaving small ones whole, cut medium ones in half, and quarter large ones. Place the strawberries in a large bowl. Toss them until coated in the cornstarch, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla. Set aside. In a medium-sized bowl, stir together the oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until combined and crumbly.

Give the strawberries another good stir and place them in the baking dish in an even layer. Take your hands and add the crumble on top, breaking it up and crumbling it evenly all over.

Bake for 30-40 minutes until the strawberry mixture is bubbling up along the sides of the baking dish, and the crumble is golden brown.

Allow the crumble to sit for 10 minutes before serving (this will give the filling time to thicken.)

Ingredients

For the filling:

 

For the topping:

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 11×7-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Remove the stems from the strawberries. Prepare them by leaving small ones whole, cut medium ones in half, and quarter large ones.
  3. Place the strawberries in a large bowl. Toss them until coated in the cornstarch, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla. Set aside.
  4. In a medium-sized bowl, stir together the oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until combined and crumbly.
  5. Give the strawberries another good stir and place them in the baking dish in an even layer.
  6. Take your hands and add the crumble on top, breaking it up and crumbling it evenly all over the strawberries.
  7. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the strawberry mixture is bubbling up along the sides of the baking dish, and the crumble is golden brown.
  8. Allow the crumble to sit for 10 minutes before serving. Don’t skip this step. It allows the filling time to thicken up. Then scoop and serve!

Recipe from The Country Cook.

Oreo Fluff

HOW TO MAKE OREO FLUFF

In a large bowl, add the instant vanilla pudding and the milk. Using a handheld electric mixer, mix until the pudding is fully dissolved. This can also be done by hand if you don’t have an electric mixer. Add in the softened cream cheese to the pudding mixture. Continue mixing on medium speed until the cream cheese is completely incorporated. Set aside the bowl. 

Add the Oreo cookies into a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. Using a rolling pin, crush the cookies until they are in small chunks. Take out about ½ cup of the crushed Oreos to use later, for topping. Stir the remaining crushed cookies from the Ziploc bag as well as the mini marshmallows into the bowl with the pudding mixture until fully combined. Finally, gently stir in the whipped topping (Cool Whip).

Transfer into a serving bowl and top with remaining ½ cup of crushed Oreos, for topping.

Ingredients

  • 2 (3.4 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding
  • 3 cups cold milk
  • 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 package family size package Oreo cookies (19.1 ounce package)
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 8 ounce tub frozen whipped topping, thawed (Cool Whip)

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, add the instant vanilla pudding and the milk. Using a handheld electric mixer, mix until the pudding is fully dissolved. This can also be done by hand if you don’t have an electric mixer.
  • Add in the softened cream cheese to the pudding mixture. Continue mixing on medium speed until the cream cheese is completely incorporated. Set aside the bowl.
  • Add the Oreo cookies into a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. Using a rolling pin, crush the cookies until they are in small chunks. Take out about ½ cup of the crushed Oreos to use later, for topping.
  • Stir the remaining crushed cookies from the Ziploc bag as well as the mini marshmallows into the bowl with the pudding mixture until fully combined.
  • Finally, gently stir in the whipped topping.
  • Transfer into a serving bowl and top with remaining ½ cup of crushed Oreos, for topping.

Notes

  • Please refer to my FAQ’s and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
  • This fluff recipe is pretty rich, a little goes a long way so be careful how much you serve at one time. 
  • The cream cheese MUST be fully softened to prevent chunks in your fluff dip. 
  • I made this recipe with standard Oreo cookies. You can try double stuffed but they are a little harder to crush up because of the extra filing. 
  • Do not substitute marshmallows with marshmallow fluff.
  • I suggest enjoying this within 2 days, but it can be kept in the fridge covered with plastic or in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • I do not recommend freezing.

Nutrition

Calories: 534kcal | Carbohydrates: 87g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 649mg | Potassium: 370mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 63g | Vitamin A: 127IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 239mg | Iron: 7mg
 

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Freezer Jam

Freezer jam is an easy and delicious way to preserve the flavor of summer fruit without any heat needed!
 
Author Brandie @ The Country Cook
 

Ingredients

    • 1 1/2 pounds fresh fruit
      • This recipe specifically used strawberries, tops sliced off and cut in half
    • 4 cups granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/2 cup water
    • 1.75 ounce packet powdered fruit pectin (like Sure-Jell or Certo)

Instructions

    • Place strawberries into a food processor and pulse them about 8-10 times to break them up. You still want to see some chunks (unless you want your jam to be super smooth). After they have been processed, you should end up with about 2 ½ cups of crushed strawberries.
    • Place the crushed strawberries into a large bowl and add the sugar, 1 cup at a time, to the strawberries. Stir to combine; once the sugar is fully stirred in, add another cup and stir again. Continue this process until you’ve used all the sugar.
    • Then stir in the vanilla extract. Let the strawberry mixture sit for about 10 minutes, then give it another stir. Note: this part of the process can take up to 2 hours. You’ll need to stir every 10-15 minutes to ensure it all gets dissolved. You can test it by putting a tiny bit of the liquid between your fingers, and if you feel any graininess, it’s not ready yet.
    • Once the sugar is dissolved you can move onto the next step.
    • In a small sauce pan, whisk together the water and the fruit pectin. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Once at a full boil, allow it to boil for a full minute while stirring constantly then take off the heat.
    • Add the pectin mixture to the strawberries in the bowl and stir it in well.
    • Lay out the clean jelly jars and pour in the strawberry jam evenly into each of them; leaving at least ½ inch headroom at the top of the jar as the mixture may expand when frozen.
    • Wipe the rim of the jars with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and the lids and screw on the bands.
    • Let the jars sit out at room temperature for about 4 hours to cool completely, then place them in the refrigerator. They will keep in the fridge for up to 4 weeks or freeze for up to a year.

Notes

    • Please refer to my FAQ’s and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions
    • This is a thinner jam with chunky strawberries in it compared to our other jam recipes I have shared.  
    • You have to use fresh strawberries, frozen ones won’t turn out properly. 
    • No food processor, no problem! Just use a potato masher to mash it all up.
    • If you want to preserve this, check out the instructions I shared a link to in the FAQ section. 
    • This lasts for about a month in the fridge, or 6 months in the freezer. 
    • Don’t cut down on the sugar, you need it to help set correctly.

Nutrition

Calories: 72kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.003g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 22mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Boxty Potato Pancakes

    • 3/4 C mashed potato (peeled and boiled 10 minutes)
    • 2 TBL butter
    • 2 TBL cream
  • Mash together first three ingredients
  • (Alternate:  Use 1/2 C flour and 1 egg instead of above ingredients)
    • 3/4 C grated fresh potato (with or without peel)
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Press moisture from them using a lint free kitchen towel
  • In a mixing bowl, mix 1 egg and 1/2 C Half and Half  (or whole milk )
    • Mix in 1/3 C AP flour – half at a time
    • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • Fold batter and potatoes together
  • Preheat pan with canola oil
  • Drop spoonfuls of the potatoes into the hot pan.
  • Cakes should be nicely browned and crispy
  • Drain them on a towel for about 30 seconds
  • Plate with a dolop of creme fraiche on top
  • Crumple a sheet of smoked salmon on top
  • Garnish with chives

Créme fraîche

    • 1/2 C sour cream or creme fraiche
    • 1 TBL Whole grain mustard
    • minced chives (to taste)
    • salt and pepper to taste

Dahl Restaurant Gazpacho

From Arizona A to Z

  • 64 oz Campbells Tomato Juice (cold)
  • In food processor place
    • 1 C chopped celery
    • 1 C English cucumber
    • 1 C green pepper
    • 1 C red bell pepper
    • 1 C yellow bell
    • 2 jalapeno peppers – seeds and veins removed
    • 1/2 C red onion
  • Put in bowl with tomato juice
  • Add
    • 2 TBL tomato paste
    • 2 TBL lime juice
    • 2 TBL sherry vinegar
    • 2 TBL freshly minced garlic
    • 1/2 tsp Thunder Powder
  • Minced cilantro
  1. Put into bowl
  2. Put in pieces of avocado
  3. Drizzle with EVOO
  4. Top with cilantro

Pretzel Cheese Dipping Sauce

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 2½ tbsp All-purpose flour
  • ½ cup Milk
  • ¾ cup Beer
  • 1½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp Mustard powder (½ tsp if you’re not a mustard fan)
  • ½ tsp Garlic powder
  • 2 cups (8 oz) Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • Pinch of Salt and pepper to taste

STEP BY STEP

  1. Melt the butter in a sauce pan over medium heat.
  2. Add flour and whisk until you’ve got a paste like substance.
  3. Add a splash of milk, and while continuously stirring,
  4. Add a splash of beer, and while continuously stirring,
  5. Add the  Worcestershire sauce while continuously stirring.
  6. Add the remaining milk and beer, while continuously stirring.
  7. Stir until smooth, then add mustard powder and garlic powder.
  8. Continue to heat and whisk until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
  9. Turn heat to low and add shredded cheese, one ½ cup at a time, stirring continuously until cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
  10. Add salt and pepper to taste, serve immediately.
  11. To prevent congealing, serve in a small crock pot or fondue dish over heat.

Juicy Lucy

A Jucy Lucy is a stuffed cheeseburger with the cheese inside of the meat instead of on top, resulting in a melted core of cheese. Two bars in Minneapolis, Minnesota claim to be the inventor of the burger, while other bars and restaurants have created their own interpretations of the style.

A debate rages on.  Google has chimed in.  A Google Search for “Jucy Lucy” resulted in 116,000 results.  A search for “Juicy Lucy” resulted in 1.8 million results.  O.E.D. spelling rules here.

Regardless of how it is spelled, this is a great treat for your next BBQ.

Per Person Ingredients

    • For 1 sandwich
      • 1 hamburger bun
      • 2 ground beef patties- thin
        • about 3 ounces each
      • Sliced mild Cheddar cheese
        • Traditionally 1-2 slices of American Cheese are used.  We prefer Cheddar.
        • I prefer sliced because you get more cheese.  Shredded cheese melts better, but is less dense.  That is also why I use medium heat, rather than high.  It gives the cheese time to become molten.
      • Other ingredients used along the way
        • Onion, Pickle, Relish

Preparation

    1. OPT:  Saute thinly sliced onions in 1 TBL butter. Go for as much caramelization as you like.  Set aside
    2. OPT:  Cook two slices of bacon per burger.  Set aside
    3. Brush melted butter on the inside surfaces of the hamburger bun and place on a pan or griddle on low heat.
    4. While the bun is toasting, flatten each beef patty so that it’s no more than ¼ inch thick.
    5. Place shredded cheese in the middle of one of the patties, leaving just a bit of a border.
    6. Then cover it with the other patty.
    7. Push the patties and pinch the edges, so that they merge into a single patty – assuring there are no holes for the cheese to seep through.
    8. Place meat on a griddle or pan over medium heat. Cook no more than 5 minutes per side or until cheesy juices start spilling out.
      • I usually cook the first side 4 minutes, then the other 2-3 minutes.
      • I used a cast iron grill pan.  It works great.
    9. Add pickles to the bottom bun, If desired, place onion thinly sliced or sauteed,  and bacon, then add the cooked burger and top bun.
    10. Be very careful.  The cheese is hot.

Bobby Flay Apple Butter

This is for my reference only.  I’ve made a few changes and substitutions, indicated by (GR) for Grandpa’s Revision

INGREDIENTS

  • 6-8 medium to large apples
    Fuji, Gala and Granny Smith
    About TWO POUNDS by weight AFTER peeling and coring
  • 1/2 C of apple cider (no preservatives if possible)
  • 1 C  granulated white sugar
  • 1/2 C brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg – freshly grated
  • scant teaspoon cloves
  • 1 tsp lime juice (GR)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • scant salt

This recipe makes about 2-4 jars, so if you plan on using it over the next few months, you don’t have to can it.  If you are planning to can some, double the recipe and follow standard canning procedures (which will not be repeated here)

STEP BY STEP

  1. Wash your jars in the dishwasher so they are as sterile as possible
  2. Put a small pot of boiling water in the far corner of your stove top and let it simmer for now (GR)
  3. Peel and core your apples, and then chop, mince or grate (GR)
  4. Bring all other ingredients up to a boil on your stove top
  5. Add your apple pieces to the boiling mixture
  6. Let simmer about 60 minutes
  7. IMPORTANT NOTE: During the cooking process, the liquid may expand to about TWICE the original size, so make sure you have a large pot.
  8. If you don’t have an immersible thermometer, GET ONE.  Here is the one that I use, and I LOVE IT.  It is by Thermoworks, and is not all that expensive for the use you will get out of it.  This is also good for cooking meat, potatoes, etc.  I also got an infrared thermometer that I used for grill and pan temperatures.

    THE CANNING PROCESS
  9. Heat until it reaches 220-222º
  10. Put a lid (one by one) into the small pan of boiling water to soften the seal.
  11. Pour into prepared canning jars, screw lid on finger tight, and set on the counter.
    Even without hot water bath canning, the “counter canned” apple butter should last a few months in the refrigerator.

 

Triple Citrus Tart

You can use the below recipe from Johanne Killeen & George Germon, owners of Al Forno, in Providence, Rhode Island, or you can use my recipe for Pastry Dough.  Here is another recipe.   If you want REALLY easy, just use Puff Pastry.

    • 1 tsp orange zest – minced
    • 1 TBL orange juice – cold
    • 1 TBL ice water
      • It is better to have your dough too moist, rather than too dry
        You can always add a bit more flour, but not liquid
    • Approx 1 C AP flour
    • 2 TBL confectioner sugar
    • 1/4 tsp salt
    • 1 sticks cold butter in pieces
      • Pulse in food processor about six times
    • With motor running, add liquid all at once
    • Stop only to scrape down sides
      • You want dough to just hold together
      • Pour onto aluminum foil
      • Press together into a disk
      • Refrigerate immediately for about 2 hours
    • Keeping your hands and your dough floured start rolling it out
    • Flatten it to just under 1/8 inch
    • Replenish floured surface as necessary
    • Transfer onto a baking sheet
      • Add first layer to the tart
    • If using lemons, blanch them about 10 seconds in boiling water, then rinse them and dry them to remove the waxy coat and any pesticides
    • Slice on mandolin as thinly as you can possibly slice them
    • Layer over entire tart surface, slightly overlapping
    • Sprinkle with super-fine sugar – You can also create your own with your food processory
    • Fold over the crust sides
    • Refrigerate for about 90 minutes
      • Preheat oven to 450 before putting into the oven
      • Bake 15 minutes

Prepare your lime curd

    • Two whole eggs plus two egg yolks
    • 1/2 C sugar
    • 3/4 C fresh lime juice
    • 1/2 C heavy cream
    • Heat over a double boiler until it thickens – Keep no hotter than 190º

Whip your egg whites

    • 4 egg whites
      • Start to whip to froth on high
    • 1/2 C super-fine sugar – 1 spoonful at a time
    • Scrape down sides, then continue to soft peaks

Combine

    • After your tart has cooled, add a layer of curd
    • Put on your meringue over top of curd
      • Use a fork to pull out the peaks
    • Put into preheated oven until meringue darkens
    • Let cool just a bit, and then plate
    • Sprinkle with confectioner sugar

 

Bitty Bite-sized Donuts

THIS RECIPE HAS NOT YET BEEN TESTED

    • 3 TBL butter melted
    • 1/4 C AP flour
    • 3 TBL milk
      • Heat in skillet until it thickens into a blob
    • 2 C more of cake flour
    • 1/3 C sugar
    • 1 TBL instant coffee
    • 2 tsp baking powder
    • 1/4 tsp salt
      • Mix dry ingredients to combine
    • 1/2 whole milk – room temperature
    • 1 egg
    • add melted butter
    • 1 tsp vanilla
      • Whisk to combine
    • Put Kitchen Aid on low, and drizzle in wet ingredients
    • Add starter and mix on high until combined
      • The dough will still be sticky
    • Dump onto a heavily floured surface
    • Work dough with hands – kneading until it is not too sticky
    • Roll out dough to about 1/2 inch in thickness
    • Using a pastry ring cut circles from the dough, and place on parchment paper in groups of three – making a triangle
    • You can roll out remaining edges to get a few more circles
    • Put into refrigerator to cool at least 45 minutes
    • Prepare hot oil (365º)
      • PREPARE ICING
    • Meanwhile mix up 2 C confectioner sugar with 1/2 tsp vanilla
      and 2 TBL milk

      • NOTE:  It is easier to add a few drops of liquid rather than to try to recover from an icing that is too thin.  Err on less liquid.
    • OPTIONAL:  Omit coffee, and add 1 tsp citric acid to the icing
      • COOK THE DONUTS
    • Drop into hot oil (365º) and fry until browned
    • Dip into the icing, or drizzle over top

Tuna Tarragon

This is close to what Sweet Tomatoes used to serve.

DRESSING

  • 1 C Miracle Whip
  • 1/2 C Sour Cream
  • 1 TBL Lemon Juice
  • 1 tsp Rice Wine Vinegar
  • 1 TBL Dried Tarragon
  • 1 TBL Dijon Mustard
  • 2 tsp sugar

STEP BY STEP

  • 20-24 oz tuna in water (drained)
  • 1 C frozen peas (don’t used canned)
  • 6-8 C cooked shell pasta
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  1. Mix together dressing
  2. Fold in Tuna and Peas
  3. Fold in Pasta
  4. Chill two hours before serving (better overnight)
  5. The pasta will absorb the flavors

 

Candied Orange Peel – VIDEO

      1. Cut three oranges into twelve segments each
      2. Use a knife to cut away most of the pith.  Leave some.
      3. Boil for 10 minutes
      4. Discard water
      5. Soak in cold water overnight
      6. Strain and discard water
      7. Transfer to large pot with 1 C sugar and 1 tsp vanilla
      8. Simmer over low heat until mixture thickens
      9. Let it dry on a rack, then coat with more sugar
        • Put into a bag or tupper and shake to coat
      10. Return to rack and let dry overnight before storing in a bag and the fridge.  Keeps for about a month.

 

Chorizo Egg Sandwich

  • Dice and sautee sweet onion
  • Smash and dice garlic
  • Add cumin, dried oregano, cayenne, smoked paprika
    • Cook and mix together with just a splash of cider vinegar
  • Put into blender and puree briefly
  •  Add to ground pork and mix together with salt and pepper
  • IF VERY LEAN add some chopped bacon
    • Let meld in the fridge overnight
  • Make flat patties – make on the lager side
  • Put into hot pan with canola oil
  • Cook all the way through, flattening if you need to
    • You want it to blacken just a bit, but not dry out
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Halve a Ciabatta roll and
  • Queso fresco, Monterey Jack
  • Add avocado
  • Top with a fried egg
  • Put into a hot skillet and flatten it with a cast iron pan
  • After browned, put a skewer through, and halve the sandwich

SALSA

  • DICE ALL FAIRLY FINE
    • Tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeno pepper (fine, and without seeds)
    • Squeeze in lime juice, EVOO, salt and pepper

 

 

 

Grandma’s Paella

I’m not a fan of shellfish, lobsters, crabs, etc.

Here is a Chicken Paella

CHICKEN PAELLA

  • Cut chicken thigh into pieces
  • Sautee in thin layer of hot oil – skin down
  • – only to brown skin. Meat will be uncooked
    • MEANWHILE
  • Dice large sweet white onion
  • Layer into hot paella pan (paellera) scant oil
  • Add diced peeled red pepper
  • Add to pan and continue to heat
  • Mash and mince garlic – add to pan
  • Add peeled tomato – diced
  • Add 1-2 C Arborio rice
  • Continue to cook and sautee just a bit more
  • Add some saffron – or “Colorante”
  • Add 2x as much chicken stock as you had rice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Add chicken – skin up
    • DO NOT STIR
  • Sprinkle with peas
  • Cook in oven for 20 minutes @ 400º
  • All chicken stock should have evaporate or been absorbed
  • Sprinkle with lemon juice and serve hot
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